The Daily Disney

Full disclosure: I swore off Epcot’s Mission: Space ride years ago. It happened after a go-round that left me nauseated and praying for sweet relief. I wasn’t so much frightened as unhappy. Y’all can ride all you want. I’ll be right over there, holding the purses. But I summoned up the nerve to...

Pandora - The World of Avatar

If we’ve learned anything from nightclubbing, it’s that dim lighting makes everything look … more intriguing. That applies as well to our newest major attractions, Universal’s Volcano Bay water park and Pandora – the World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Of course, they’re no slouches in...

Ten years ago this month, I started writing about Central Florida’s theme parks and attractions on a full-time basis. That’s a lot of sunscreen, re-hydrating and double-wide strollers, my friends. In a decade, there have been good days, tragic events, rampant rumors and unexpected developments....

Demand for blue beings, bioluminescence and new theme-park rides was high Saturday as Pandora — The World of Avatar opened to the public for the first time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. An early-morning surge of visitors, some arriving in the wee hours, created a stand-by sea that formed...

Disney Events

Walt Disney World is working in 11 new acts to the 2017 edition of the Eat to the Beat concert series that’s tied to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The lineup also includes repeat performers such as Boyz II Men, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Hanson and Taylor Dayne. We apologize in advance...

Tickets are now on sale for Night of Joy, the annual Christian-music festival held at Walt Disney World. The event, presented at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, is scheduled for Sept. 8-9. Visitors can pick concerts for one night or two nights. There are also options that include one-day...

This year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will be the biggest yet with five new marketplaces and three returning country-themed booths (and more) to explore over 75 days (Aug. 31-Nov. 13). Where to begin? Local media were invited to Epcot today to check out some of the new dishes at...

Disney Hotels and Resorts

Walt Disney World hotel guests now can skip one more line. Visitors are able to go directly to their rooms to unpack and unwind — without the traditional stop at the front desk to check in. For room keys, they’ll use the customized MagicBands shipped to their homes after completing a virtual check-in,...

The Orlando area might soon have its second JW Marriott hotel, as developers have filed a plan for a new JW on 10.6 acres near Wyndham’s Bonnet Creek Resort and southeast of Disney World’s Epcot. The property is owned by DCS Investments of West Palm Beach, also known locally as the owner and developer...

Since Disney bought Marvel, the company has been trying to find places it can incorporate iconic characters like Iron Man, Captain America and Spider-Man at its theme parks around the world. Now, the Art of Marvel will give the comic-book juggernaut a home at Disneyland Paris. “We are going to...

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line announced at the D23 Expo that its fleet would grow to seven ships by 2023. While the line had previously announced two new ships were coming, the news is a third is now on order with Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Also of note, the new order will move up the timetable...

May the Force be with you, and you and you. And if “Star Wars” heroes aren't exciting enough to make your day, throw in Marvel's superheroes and supervillains, who will fight battles of epic proportions while you stand at the sidelines watching — or maybe you'll even participate. It's all part...

Disney Cruise Line announced its fall 2018 sailing plans for its fleet with first-time visits to Bermuda and Quebec City highlighting itineraries that include sailings from New York, California, Texas and Florida. Disney Magic will be sailing from New York and visiting the new ports as part of...

More theme parks

Solar eclipse viewing in Florida will provide some great views — leading to events around Metro Orlando as the moon blocks more than 80 percent of the sun. Here’s a compilation of some viewing parties or good spots to take in the sight — with proper glasses to protect your eyes’ health, of course...

A new roller coaster that briefly leaves riders hanging 150 feet above the ground will pack a lot of thrills into a small space when it debuts next summer at Knott’s Berry Farm. The HangTime dive coaster coming to Knott’s will feature a vertical lift hill, a beyond-vertical first drop and five...

A new triple-inversion spinning roller coaster themed as a retro-futuristic time machine will put a small Missouri theme park back in the thrill ride spotlight with the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest ride of its kind. Set to debut in spring 2018, the $26-million Time Traveler coaster at Silver...

More Disney News

Joe’s Crab Shack has closed its restaurant near Disney World as its parent company shutters locations nationwide. Ignite Restaurant Group has closed Joe’s Crab Shack at 12167 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, an employee who answered the phone at the eatery said Monday. The southern Orange County location...

As work continues on the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, construction crews hit a milestone in the land's signature ride, the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster. The final piece of track was lowered by crane and put into place recently for the ride that will circumvent the 11-acre...

Planet Hollywood Observatory reopened in January with a revamp of everything from its design to its menu. The globe-shaped building at Disney Springs was transformed into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory, and the menu now serves some over-the-top dishes, including a host of burgers and sandwiches...

Disney World pulled the plug on Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Epcot’s traveling-theater science lesson. I went to say my goodbyes to the Future World attraction, which closes for good Aug. 13. There was ample time there for reflection: The ride moves at a glacial pace, providing enough time to make...

Time for save the Walt Disney World date, August edition: • Aug. 13: It’s a bad day for those traveling theater-type attractions. Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will roll for guests for the final time. But it’s also the first day...

A new “Star Wars” experience, steeped in “hyper reality,” will be opening at Disney Springs later this year. The new Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire was announced by Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB — which is the Immersive Entertainment division of Lucasfilm — and the VOID on Thursday. “Through the power of...

For cooks and chefs looking for jobs, Disney is offering new incentives. The company recently increased its signing bonus from $500 to $1,000 or $1,500 for new full-time and part-time employees in the culinary department, according to Disney. “We offer them periodically and adjust incentives based...

UPDATED: When “American Idol” starts its auditions on Aug. 17 in Orlando, the backdrop will be Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, ABC announced Thursday. “Idol” winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard will accompany the “Idol” bus when it pulls into Disney Springs. Those winners...

Theme-park goers often appreciate the details that go into making an attraction feel complete or real. What many fans might not pick up on is how many of those details are anchored in fine arts. “We see a lot about the business of theme parks and the decisions that go into getting them built,”...

Sabrina Carpenter turned 18 this year, but the Disney Channel star thinks adulthood is just a technicality. “I’ve felt like I was an adult when I was 10 years old,” said the Pennsylvania native. “I think, for me, it’s just a matter of continuing to work hard and pursue my dreams. It shouldn’t matter...

Walt Disney World has officially launched the first phase of its Minnie Vans transportation system that will carry visitors from one point on Disney property to another. The new service is a collaboration with Lyft ride-share service. Monday was its first official day of operation. For now, Minnie...

Two pastry chefs at Walt Disney World have risen to the top of their industry. Stefan Riemer and Olivier Saintemarie have been named to this year’s Dessert Professional magazine list of Top 10 pastry chefs in America. Both became interested in the field as children. Riemer, the executive pastry...

Theme park fans, celebrities and others took to internet platforms to mourn Marty Sklar, longtime Imagineer, who died at age 83 Thursday in California. He worked with Walt Disney himself and had a hand in many attractions around the world. Others recalled meeting him or seeing him at the D23 Expo...

Marty Sklar, a longtime Imagineer who had creative input in Disney attractions ranging from “it’s a small world” to Epcot, has died. He was 83. He died at his home in Hollywood Hills, Calif., on Thursday. “Everything about Marty was legendary — his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob...

The new-look Mission: Space attraction at Epcot will debut Aug. 13, Walt Disney World announced on Thursday. The ride, which opened in the theme park’s Future World in 2003, will feature two distinct experiences. The Orange Mission side will include the force of a space launch to Mars, Disney says....

Walt Disney Co. plans to shut down its vacation savings program because of low participation. The Disney Vacation Account program, which started in 2013, allowed travelers to store money in an account to save up for a Disney vacation. Disney granted users a $20 bonus for every $1,000 stored in...

“I don’t think he worries about being lovable,” Tennant said of his Scrooge McDuck. “I think that’s probably the key to him, if there is a key to him, and who says I’ve got it right.”His “DuckTales” family was quick to point out that he’s definitely got it right.“I think you play him for what he...

A new shop will soon start scooping out edible cookie dough in Celebration. Wonderland Cookie Dough Co. is expected to open on Aug. 19 at 606 Market St. in Celebration. Heat-treated flour and a lack of eggs makes the business’ 10-plus cookie dough flavors safe to eat. “We can eat it right out of...

I’m trying to embrace change. So much of it is out of our control, despite what change.org might have us fantasize. It’s true in theme parking, with new attractions coming and, sometimes, bumping off the old. Yet this week’s death-to-Dragon Challenge news stings a little. Universal Orlando is replacing...

With the lowest unemployment rate in 10 years in Florida, Disney World’s largest council of unions said Wednesday it will seek “historic change” in wages for the region’s hospitality workers. Disney has stated it will offer an employment package that is “fair and equitable” this year, but has...

Walt Disney World fans devotees that purchased annual passes with block-out dates have been informed that they will be welcomed back into the theme parks earlier than anticipated. Silver-level passholders will be able to return to the streets of all four Disney World parks as of Aug. 1. The blockout...

Hard to believe that in less than six months “La Nouba” will be no more. The Cirque du Soleil spectacular at Disney Springs, which debuted in 1998, will play its last performance Dec. 31. If you haven’t seen the energetic celebration of circus arts in a while —but are planning a visit to say goodbye...

A pub will be part of the re-imagined Grand Avenue area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, according to the Disney Parks Blog. The Grand Avenue section will be reworked to feel more like Downtown Los Angeles with vintage office buildings and warehouses representing the different district and culture...

Early-bird diners who are also Walt Disney World annual passholders — and those who like a relatively late dinner — can get deeper discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants for a limited time. Through Sept. 30, valid passholders receive a 30 percent discount on the regular price...